Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Recipe

Alright, get ready to dig into a comforting plate of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage! This dish is packed with juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce that coats every bite of tender fettuccine. If you’re craving a cozy meal with just the right amount of kick, this one’s a keeper. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests—trust me, I’ve made it for my family, and they rave about it every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: Between the shrimp, sausage, and Cajun spices, every bite is bursting with smoky, savory goodness.
• Creamy Dreamy Sauce: The combination of cream, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning makes for a luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
• Quick and Easy: On the table in about 40 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight but fancy enough for special occasions.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap out sausage varieties, or even use chicken instead of shrimp—make it yours!

this Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dish:

• Shrimp: We’re using large shrimp for this recipe, peeled and deveined.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the shrimp and the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: This is what gives the dish that signature Cajun flavor.
• Dried Oregano: A touch of oregano adds a nice herbal note.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp and sausage.
• Andouille Sausage: This spicy sausage adds a ton of flavor. ¹ You can also use smoked sausage if you prefer.
• Fettuccine Pasta: Fettuccine is the perfect pasta for this dish because it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Yellow Onion: A thinly sliced onion adds sweetness and depth.
• Red Bell Pepper: A pop of color and crunch!
• Brown Sugar: Just a touch to balance out the spice.
• Garlic: Chopped garlic adds that essential garlicky kick.
• Crushed Tomatoes: These add richness to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce light and flavorful.
• Heavy Cream: The base for our creamy, dreamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley is the perfect garnish for this dish.

Variations

• Spice it Up: Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Veggie Delight: Toss in some other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Protein Power: Add some grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
• Creamy Dreamy: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prep the Shrimp and Sausage

Toss your shrimp with Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until just pink. Set them aside on a plate. Next, add the sausage to the same pan, cooking until browned and caramelized (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until al dente. Drain, but don’t rinse—keep that starchy goodness!

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil, then toss in the onion, red bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the veggies soften, about 5 minutes, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything together, and once the sauce starts to simmer, add in the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it nice and creamy.

5. Combine Everything

Toss the cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Let it all heat through for a couple of minutes. Finally, add the shrimp and give everything a good toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top the pasta with chopped parsley and serve it up while it’s hot!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook fast! Just 2 minutes per side will do the trick to keep them tender.
• Make It Creamier: If you love extra sauce, feel free to add more cream or broth.
• Customize the Veggies: Try adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggie goodness.

How to Serve

This dish is a meal in itself, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Make Ahead

• To Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• To Freeze: You can freeze this dish, but the cream sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. Freeze in individual portions for easy meals later.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or linguine all work well.

What if I can’t find andouille sausage?
Any smoked sausage will do—kielbasa is a good substitute.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and store it separately, then just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

There you have it—Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage, the ultimate comfort food with a kick. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and savory, and I guarantee you’ll be adding this one to your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

Print